Even though we’re in the middle of a hot summer, fashion has already moved on to fall and winter looks. I was just breezing through some photos of upcoming fall fashion trends, one of which is “peplum.”  I’d heard this word before, but had no idea exactly what it was…so of course I investigated!

Turns out peplum is a “short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse, or dress.”

Not my favorite look, just because my hips don’t need any more ruffles or overskirts attached to them for emphasis.  But for women who are bigger on top, a peplum jacket can help balance everything out.

Mustard (the color, not the condiment) is another fall fashion look that’s hitting the runways.  Get your summer tans now…mustard is a color that works best on darker skin (too pale and it will wash you out). If you’re feeling  the mustard thing, check out something like this wrinkle-resistant plus-size shirt.  Comfortable and easy-wearing, plus it comes in a variety of colors.

If you don’t think mustard is your color, you can still work it in to your wardrobe with shoes. Shoes are great way to wear colors you like but that don’t necessarily work well with your skin tone. These cute peep-toes in mustard are both stylish looking and come in one of fall’s hottest shades!

So you’ve got holiday parties to go to, and even though you don’t want to get crazy at work events, there are definitely parties where it’s fun to get a little dressed up and drink some spiked punch, right?

Here are some of the holiday pieces designed for those times when you want to make a splash.

Get glittery in this sequined tunic top that sparkles in the light. Or, try this sequined vest over a fitted long-sleeved black shirt. Another shiny option: the gold cowl-neck satin tunic.

And this beaded shoulder tunic is fun and flirty. Wear it over a black cami and black leggings or slim-fit pants.

Show off your wild side with leopard-print dress shoes or studded tassel micro-suede boots. And add some real “pop!” with jewelry like this bib necklace set, a hammered-style bangle bracelet or an exciting bold ring.

Remember… the holidays are coming fast, so make sure your wardrobe is prepared!

It’s fun to find new clothes at any time of the year, and fall offers some wonderful options—things that can be both full of style and full of comfort at the exact same time. I’m always on the lookout for pieces like that!

One item that’s a fall staple is wide-leg pants. Adding some width to pant legs, like these do, balances out wider hips and thighs and is wonderfully slimming. These pants are also super comfortable.

Another comfortable piece that’s very in-style is this long checked skirt. It's bias cut, and it works so well with boots, a long sweater and a belt (another fall trend). The elasticized waist makes it extra easy-to-wear.

And finally, this swing jacket is great for the days before you have to break out the winter coat. It’s got an easy fit, animal print lining (very trendy), and you can wear it dressed up or dressed down.